The Home IDEA

Whether it’s extra guest rooms, a personal gym, a home theater, or a man cave, there are all kinds of ways you can transform that musty old basement of yours. Ready to get started? Here are some tips to get it done.

​Is your basement drab and dirty? If that is the case, perhaps one of the best things you can do is remodel it. If you entertain often, remodeling your basement can be a great way to add some extra guest rooms to your home. Additionally, a basement remodel will also help add value to your house because of the extra usable space. Not to mention the fact that a fully finished basement will help bring out your creativity.

Whether it’s extra guest rooms, a personal gym, a home theater, or a man cave, there are all kinds of ways you can transform that musty old space. Ready to get started? Here are some ways to do it.

Pay Attention to the LightingYour first step is to replace the lighting. Indeed, one of the things that can make your basement appear old and decrepit is if there is a standard singular lightbulb just hanging down on an electrical line. Talk about an uninviting place! Instead of that, you should have myriad lighting options available throughout your basement space. Solid basement lighting examples include lights on the ceiling, lights at the floor level, recessed lighting, bulbs from lamps, and fairy lights.

If possible, you also should consider installing new windows and take advantage of natural light too. Desert Empire Mirror & Glass explains that strategically placing mirrors to reflect natural light from windows can make your basement appear brighter, larger, and more open. Adding extra light also helps protect against basement bugs. Cockroaches and other pests are attracted to dark, damp spaces, so they are often found in basements. Additional light will make your basement feel bigger, brighter, and free of cockroaches.

Consider the FlooringNaturally, many basement floors consist of solid gray cement. While this makes a good structural foundation for your home, it is definitely an uncomfortable eyesore. Laminate flooring, ceramic tile, vinyl tile, cork, linoleum, and carpet are all good choices.Footprints Floors suggests that engineered wood floors, floors made of layers of wood, expand and contract less than other wood floors, which makes them ideal for basement flooring. Either way, it all depends on the comfort levels of your home.

Give Your Basement Space Some PaintAnother way to prevent your basement from looking cold and drab is to incorporate the right paint on the walls. Shades of white, gray, and blue can go a long way toward making this a bright space. These colors can also help you to accentuate a focal point, which is the main centerpiece of your basement. For some, it is a big screen TV, while for others, it is a notable work of art.

When it comes to decorating your basement, the best thing you can do is utilize your creativity. If you do not want your basement to be just a drab, boring space that is only used for storage, all it takes is a little bit of planning and determination. Not only that, but remodeling your homecan increase its value!

If the ultimate goal of your home improvement project is aesthetic, the greatest benefit may come from your personal enjoyment of the new space. However, if you’re looking to add true value to your home, it’s important to consider which projects are likely to bring the greatest return on your investment.

Home Improvements with High ROI

(Family Features) If the ultimate goal of your home improvement project is aesthetic, the greatest benefit may come from your personal enjoyment of the new space. However, if you’re looking to add true value to your home, it’s important to consider which projects are likely to bring the greatest return on your investment.

Flooring
Much like hands reveal a person’s true age, flooring speaks volumes about a home. Replacing and updating worn floors can instantly add value. A timeless selection like wood flooring, particularly in heavy traffic areas, is durable enough to withstand wear and complements a wide range of interior designs. If you already have wood floors that are in reasonably good condition, whether in use or under carpet, go ahead and refinish them for a budget-friendly alternative to installing new flooring. Another option that holds or even increases the value of your investment is tile, particularly in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas.

Roofing
Re-roofing a home gives it an instant value boost, but it’s a job that needs to be repeated periodically. One longer-term and on-trend alternative to traditional roofing is metal. Performance is the big selling point for metal roofs, but not only does the roof itself increase the home’s value, the safety benefits and peace of mind that come with knowing strong, fire-resistant metal roofs can last forever only add to the benefits.

With a variety of styles available, you can find a metal roof to match nearly any home style. For example, CertainTeed Metal Roofing offers profiles crafted to simulate Spanish barrel tile, slate and wood shake. Made from high-performance, deep-drawn steel, these roofing systems offer a lifetime-limited warranty and are engineered with a special multi-layered paint process that resists the elements while offering realistic color details and gradations. Find inspiration and explore a design gallery at CertainTeed.com.

Landscaping
Curb appeal often counts for a lot, whether it’s for your own enjoyment or a potential future buyer. Enhancing your home’s exterior can pay off handsomely when you add vegetation and hardscaping that improve the overall aesthetic. Keep in mind that more unconventional styles are better reserved for private spaces like the backyard; for the street view, stick to a motif with broad appeal to garner the strongest return on your investment.

Entryway
An outdated entry point isn’t just an eyesore; it can pose a security risk and even be the source of significant energy loss for your home. Replacing front doors and even garage doors can both bring a return on your investment and potentially start saving you money right away on heating and cooling costs. A new, properly installed entry door is likely to fit more snugly and allow for fewer air leaks. In addition, a heavier door and frame is more likely to stand up against forced entry.

Insulation
It may not be glamorous, or even anything that you’ll see on a regular basis, but many experts agree that upgrading your insulation is a sound investment. In addition to adding value in terms of comfort and reduced energy costs, it’s an attractive selling point should you choose to list your home.

If you’re still uncertain about the right investments for your home, it may be wise to consult a local real estate expert who can provide insight on the features that bring the most value in your market.

(BPT) - The real estate market is heating up, and if you're planning to sell your home in the future, you want it to sell quickly and for as high of a price as possible. By taking proactive action now, you can make a few strategic home improvements that can help you achieve both your goals.

To boost your home sale and reduce time on the market, consider these top home improvement ideas to catch buyers' eyes.

Garage door: When potential buyers visit your property, you want to make the best first impression before they even come inside. That's why it's wise to replace your garage door. It takes up a significant amount of exterior visual real estate and helps define the home's aesthetic. What's more, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2018 Cost vs. Value report, a garage door replacement recoups an astonishing 98.3 percent of cost upon resale.

Bathroom addition: More bathrooms typically mean you can charge more for your home. Think you're limited based on existing construction? Think again. With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps. The Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths, and the Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms.Kitchen upgrade: A complete kitchen remodel is costly, but a few smart upgrades can make the heart of the home shine. Consider replacing worn laminate countertops and updating hardware for a fresh look. For extra 'wow factor,' add an island and use Saniflo Sanivite technology to add a sink to the space for additional functionality. Learn more at go.saniflo.com.Fresh flooring: You don't have to replace all your flooring, but focal areas like the kitchen or family room, as well as areas that tend to experience higher wear, such as the entryway, can benefit from a new floor. Forget expensive tile or hardwood replacements. Vinyl wood flooring looks incredibly similar to real wood, and modern luxury vinyl tile mimics the gorgeous look of stone or ceramic tile but is more durable and affordable. You may be able to simply add new flooring on top of old, making it a much easier DIY project.Neutral paint: Don't ever underestimate the value of a fresh coat of paint throughout your home. Walls get dingy and colors get dated. Repaint rooms with modern, neutral tones. As much as you love plum, buyers may not, so stick with whites, creams and grays whenever possible. Visit your local paint store and you'll see there are many neutral options to add excitement to interior spaces. Don't forget the ceiling, too! A fresh coat of white can do wonders.

These five projects will enhance your listing so you get more attention and book more showings. You may even start a bidding war with enough interest, and that can really drive up the price. Take action now and these home improvement efforts are sure to make an impact.

(BPT) - It's no secret that springtime is synonymous with spruce-ups. But, as is often the case, homeowners hone in on prettying-up patios and backyards with fresh florals and new outdoor furniture, leaving the inside of the home as "same old, same old." This spring, resolve to reinvent your home from the inside out with stylish decor sure to add the wow-factor it deserves.

The five refreshing projects below will to help create a beautiful setting worthy of the new season - and beyond.

Address those kitchen cabinets. The cabinets are a major focal point in a kitchen, and even the smallest changes can have a major impact on its look and feel. Start with a subtle, functional update by replacing old hardware with modern metal accents. And, for a slightly bolder change, consider a fresh coat of paint to infuse a new design persona throughout the space.

Set the perfect scene. Take advantage of the spring weather and longer days with perfect natural lighting. Hunter Douglas' PowerView Motorization is a sophisticated wireless operating system that allows homeowners to program their shades to automatically adjust throughout the day to make the most of natural light as it changes. Start by creating scenes - different combinations of shade positions in one room or throughout the house - to achieve perfect room lighting, window privacy and energy-efficiency. Then, schedule the scenes to activate at the times you choose, like opening to greet each morning's sunrise, closing mid-day to deflect the heat of the afternoon sun, and closing each night to protect your privacy. PowerView motorized shades also seamlessly integrates with other sophisticated whole-home automation systems to add another level of convenience to everyday living and greater connectivity to your smart home.

Add comfort and style to hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are a popular style for any home, and adding comfort to the chic-but sometimes unforgiving-look is easy with the right accessories. Place comfortable, eye-catching rugs in key areas throughout the home, including the foyer or beneath the kitchen and dining room tables. These subtle accents will create a striking contrast, soften acoustics and add stylish comfort for your feet.

Keep cool as the weather warms. Window treatments can serve as great accessory or accent, and the right window dressings will provide beauty and function in one. With Duette Architella honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas, sophisticated fabric choices add a modern touch to any space, while its unique cell-within-a-cell design can significantly reduce the amount of solar heat transferred through windows to keep you cooler as the summer heat kicks in. This smart upgrade lends an elegant touch to kick off air conditioning season.

Build the bathroom of your dreams. The bathroom is supposed to be an oasis, and if it's lacking in spa-like comforts, now is the perfect time to whip it into shape. Enjoy a luxurious massage without stepping out of the house by swapping out outdated shower heads with high-pressured and multi-setting ones that transform water into soft mists, relaxing pulses, or powerful cascade indoors.

With these easy decor updates, making your home more comfortable and stylish is a bright idea sure to last all season and through the year. To learn more about PowerView Motorization and Duette Architella honeycomb shades, visit www.hunterdouglas.com.